This week in Wandsworth:

Council Constitution Under Review: Ensuring Transparency and Accountability

Wandsworth Borough Council's foundational document, its Constitution, was the subject of a meeting on Monday, 1 June 2026. This constitution is the rulebook that governs how the council operates, how decisions are made, and the roles and responsibilities of everyone involved – from councillors and officers to the residents themselves. Understanding the Constitution is key to understanding how local government works and how you can engage with it.

What is the Council's Constitution?

Adopted in September 2001 and amended over time, the Constitution is designed to ensure the council runs efficiently, transparently, and accountably. It lays out the framework for decision-making, including the powers of the Full Council, the Executive (Cabinet), and scrutiny committees. It also details citizens' rights, the expected conduct of councillors and staff, and procedures for financial matters. A unique aspect is the shared staffing arrangement with Richmond-upon-Thames Council, with safeguards to ensure each borough's constitution is respected.

Key Articles and Their Impact:

The Constitution is divided into 16 Articles, each covering a vital aspect of the council's operation:

• Article 1: The Constitution: This article sets out the purpose of the Constitution, aiming for clear leadership, citizen involvement, effective representation, open decision-making, accountability, and improved service delivery.
• Article 2: Members of the Council: This defines the council's composition (58 councillors) and the fundamental roles of all councillors, including representing their communities and dealing with casework.
• Article 3: Citizens and the Council: This is crucial for residents, outlining your rights to vote, contact councillors, access information, attend meetings, and raise concerns. It also touches on citizens' responsibilities.
• Article 4: The Full Council: This describes the council's ultimate policy-making body and its role in setting budgets.
• Article 7: The Executive: This details the Cabinet's role in making most day-to-day decisions.
• Article 13: Decision-Making: This article sets out principles for making decisions, including the need for clarity, openness, and proper consultation. It defines key decisions based on their financial impact or significance.

The Constitution also includes detailed schedules and appendices covering procedural rules, codes of conduct, and financial regulations.

• The Stakes: A well-understood and robust constitution ensures that decisions are made fairly and that residents have a clear understanding of how their council operates. It provides the framework for holding elected officials accountable and for ensuring that services are delivered effectively and equitably. For vulnerable groups, a clear constitution can be vital in understanding their rights and how to access support.

As the information status for this meeting is PENDING_COUNCIL_PUBLICATION, the specific discussions and any decisions made are not yet publicly available. We will provide an update once the full details are released.

Read the full meeting details here.

This week in Wandsworth:

Correction (1 June 2026): An earlier version of this email stated that Councillor Simon Hogg was elected Leader of Wandsworth Council. That was incorrect. Councillor Aled Richards-Jones (Conservative) was elected Leader of the Council; Councillor Simon Hogg (Labour) was the outgoing Leader. The section below has been corrected.

New Mayor and Council Leader Elected as Wandsworth Navigates No Overall Control

Wandsworth Council held its annual meeting on Wednesday, 27 May 2026, marking a significant shift in the borough's political leadership following the recent local elections. Councillor Emmeline Owens was elected as the new Mayor, and Councillor Aled Richards-Jones (Conservative) was elected as the new Leader of the Council, taking over from the outgoing Leader, Councillor Simon Hogg (Labour). This transition occurs at a time when the council operates under a no overall control scenario, signalling a new era of potential collaboration and negotiation between parties. Read the full meeting details here.

Councillor Emmeline Owens Becomes Mayor

Councillor Emmeline Owens was elected as the new Mayor of Wandsworth, securing 29 votes against Councillor Graeme Henderson's 26. Proposing Councillor Owens, Councillor Ethan Brooks described her as embodying the spirit of Wandsworth, highlighting her background as a rugby mum and a long-standing school governor. He emphasised her deep understanding of the community, stating, She's lived it, served it and helped hold it all together. Councillor Owens accepted the office, pledging to duly and faithfully fulfil the duties of it, according to the best of my judgement and ability.

Conservatives Take Control as Councillor Aled Richards-Jones Becomes Leader

Councillor Aled Richards-Jones (Conservative) was elected as the new Leader of the Council, with the Conservative group forming the administration after the May 2026 borough elections left the council in no overall control . The outgoing Leader, Councillor Simon Hogg (Labour), spoke about the transition, acknowledging the no overall control result and calling for new, more collaborative arrangements between the two parties . Arrangements raised during the handover included inviting opposition councillors to chair scrutiny committees, and inviting the Leader of the Opposition and Cabinet members to attend Cabinet meetings, with the aim of greater transparency and accountability.

Borough Council Election Results Shape Future Governance

The meeting also saw the presentation of a report detailing the results of the Borough Council elections held on 7th May 2026. The election's outcome, with no single party achieving overall control, necessitates a more collaborative approach to governance. The report, presented by Chief Executive Andrew Travers, outlined the elected councillors for each ward, underscoring the diverse representation within the council.

Outgoing Mayor's Reflection and Farewell

The outgoing Mayor, Jeremy Ambache, reflected on his two terms in office, celebrating the goodwill and good neighbourliness witnessed across the borough. He highlighted the success of Wandsworth's year as London Borough of Culture, which featured over 700 events and reached 650,000 people. Mayor Ambache also expressed pride in the council's children's services, which received an outstanding rating from Ofsted. He thanked officers, volunteers, and his mayoral team, wishing the new Mayor and Deputy Mayor well.

Key Appointments and Committee Formations

Following the election of the Mayor, the agenda indicated the appointment of a Deputy Mayor. Additionally, reports were to be received concerning:

• The constitution of political groups on the Council.
• The appointment of Executive (Cabinet) Members and the Deputy Leader, along with the delegation of executive powers.
• The appointment of the Leader of the Opposition and Deputy Leader of the Opposition.
• The appointment of various council committees and representatives to outside bodies.

These procedural steps are vital for the formal establishment of the council's operational structure for the coming year.

This week in Wandsworth:

Schools Face Significant Financial Strain as DSG Overspend Reaches £11.7 Million

The Wandsworth Schools Forum was scheduled to meet on Monday, 18 May 2026, to discuss critical financial matters affecting local education. A key concern is the projected overspend of £11.767 million on the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) for the 2025-26 financial year. This significant deficit, primarily driven by rising costs within the High Needs Block, raises serious questions about the future funding of essential educational services for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

Dedicated Schools Grant: A Growing Deficit

The Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) is the primary source of funding for schools and early years settings. The report presented to the forum indicated an overall overspend of £11.767 million for the 2025-26 financial year. This was largely due to an overspend of £16.882 million in the High Needs Block (HNB), which funds support for pupils with complex needs. This was partially offset by underspends in the Early Years Block (£4.311 million) and the Schools Block (£0.804 million).

• The Stakes: This substantial overspend directly impacts the resources available for our children's education. For families of children with SEND, this could mean longer waiting lists for assessments, fewer specialist support staff, and increased pressure on already stretched resources. The cumulative deficit is projected to reach £32.972 million by the end of the financial year, a figure that demands urgent attention and strategic planning.
• Drivers of the Overspend: The report highlighted that the primary driver for the pressure on the DSG is within the High Needs Block. This is largely attributed to the increasing demand for Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) and the rising costs associated with specialist placements, particularly independent school placements.
• Impact on Schools: While the Schools Block showed an underspend, this was partly due to the closure of Goldfinch Primary School. The Early Years Block underspend was linked to lower than budgeted hours being paid out. The overall financial picture suggests a challenging environment for all educational settings in the borough.

SEND Reforms and the High Needs Stability Grant

The forum was also set to receive an update on the government's proposed reforms to the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) system and the associated High Needs Stability Grant. These reforms aim to address the systemic challenges and financial pressures within the SEND system.

• The Stakes: The success of these reforms is crucial for ensuring that children with SEND receive the support they need to thrive. The High Needs Stability Grant offers a potential lifeline by writing off 90% of historic DSG deficits accumulated up to March 2026, but this is contingent on local authorities submitting an approved Local SEND Reform Plan.
• Wandsworth's Position: While Wandsworth is noted as being in a relatively strong position compared to many other local authorities due to its established inclusion and specialist support services, the financial pressures and rising demand remain significant concerns.

Addressing Emotionally Based School Non-Attendance (EBSNA)

An updated report on the Emotionally Based School Non-Attendance (EBSNA) Outreach programme was also scheduled for discussion. EBSNA is recognised as a significant factor contributing to the demand for statutory assessments and specialist placements.

• The Stakes: For children experiencing EBSNA, consistent school attendance is vital for their academic progress and overall well-being. The effectiveness of outreach programmes directly impacts their ability to reintegrate into education and avoid long-term disengagement.
• Programme Outcomes: The report indicated that the pilot programme had shown positive early outcomes, with some pupils achieving sustained school contact. Training provided to school staff also received consistently strong feedback, with reported increases in confidence. However, the demand has consistently been for pupils with extremely low or 0% attendance, indicating a high level of need.

The Wandsworth Schools Forum was scheduled to discuss these critical issues, with the full details of the discussions and any decisions pending the publication of the meeting minutes.

Read the full meeting details here.

Other Matters

The Local Pension Board meeting scheduled for Friday, 22 May 2026, and the Passenger Transport Liaison Group meeting scheduled for Tuesday, 19 May 2026, were both cancelled.

This week in Wandsworth:

Pub Licence Review Sparks Concerns Over Crime and Disorder

The Licensing Sub-Committee met on Thursday, 16 April 2026, to consider a review of the premises licence for The Angel Public House. The review, initiated by the Metropolitan Police, cited concerns over the prevention of crime and disorder, with numerous representations from residents detailing issues such as violence, disorder, and anti-social behaviour.

The Angel Public House: A Community's Concerns

The core of the meeting was the review of the licence for The Angel Public House, located at 11 Roehampton High Street, London, SW15 4HL. The Metropolitan Police requested the review on the grounds that the licence holder had allegedly failed to uphold the licensing objective of preventing crime and disorder. Reports detailed serious incidents of violence, disorder, and anti-social behaviour linked to the premises, including large-scale public fights, assaults on police officers, and the presence of individuals engaged in drug activity and the use of nitrous oxide[^6].

• The Stakes: For residents in Roehampton, the issues surrounding The Angel Public House directly impact their safety and quality of life. Persistent problems with crime and disorder can create an environment of fear and intimidation, affecting local businesses and the general amenity of the neighbourhood. The Sub-Committee's decision could lead to significant changes in how the pub operates, or even its closure, with far-reaching consequences for the community.
• Resident Voices: Ten representations were made by other persons in support of the review, echoing the police's concerns. These included detailed accounts from residents and local figures, such as Councillor Graeme Henderson and MP Fleur Anderson, describing drug dealing, noise, violence, and intimidation. Some residents highlighted specific incidents of property damage and the unsettling presence of groups using nitrous oxide near local schools and residential areas.
• Potential Outcomes: The Licensing Sub-Committee had a range of options, from taking no further action to issuing a warning, modifying licence conditions, suspending the licence for up to three months, or revoking it entirely. The decision would be guided by the Licensing Act 2003, the Statutory Guidance, and the Council's Statement of Licensing Policy.
• The Premises: The Angel Public House has been licensed since 2005 and is currently held by Punch Partnerships (PML) Limited. Its licence permits the sale of alcohol, regulated entertainment, and late-night refreshment.

The Sub-Committee was tasked with balancing the rights of the licence holder with the need to protect the public and uphold the four licensing objectives.

Read the full meeting details here.

New Care Home Approved Amidst Concerns Over Scale and Amenity

Wandsworth's Planning Applications Committee met on Wednesday, 15 April 2026, to approve the redevelopment of Meadbank Nursing Home, a decision that will bring much-needed modern care facilities to the borough but also raised questions about the scale and impact on local amenity.

Meadbank Nursing Home Redevelopment: Balancing Needs

The committee approved the demolition of the existing Meadbank Nursing Home at 12 Parkgate Road, SW11 4NN and its replacement with a part four, five, and seven-storey building designed to provide up to 139 care beds and suites. The development includes associated communal, wellness, and ancillary facilities, landscaping, car parking, and plant equipment.

• The Stakes: This decision addresses a critical need for modern, CQC-compliant care facilities in Wandsworth. For residents requiring care, this means access to higher quality accommodation and services. However, the scale of the proposed building, particularly its height, raised concerns among councillors and residents about its impact on neighbouring properties, including daylight and sunlight.
• Design and Amenity Concerns: While officers concluded the proposal offered public benefits justifying its scale, the Design Review Panel had previously expressed reservations about the design quality and landscaping. Councillors debated the impact on neighbouring amenity, with specific concerns raised about the seven-storey element facing Battersea Bridge Road.
• Conditions and Agreements: The approval was made subject to conditions and a Section 106 legal agreement, which will ensure specific requirements are met regarding construction management, noise mitigation, waste management, and biodiversity net gain.
• Exempt from Affordable Housing: The development, classified under Use Class C2 (Residential Institution), was exempt from affordable housing contributions, a point that was discussed during the meeting.

The committee also approved modifications to the planning permission for 35-37 Ransomes Dock Business Centre, Parkgate Road, SW11 4NP, including changes to floorspace, external alterations, and the provision of new terraces. Additionally, listed building consent was granted for works at 22 Putney Bridge Road, SW18 1HS, involving the replacement of a timber front door canopy.

Two Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) were also recommended for confirmation: one for a Canary Island Date Palm at 12 Nicosia Road, SW18 3RN and another for an Indian Horse Chestnut at 57-61 West Hill Road, SW18 1LE. These orders protect trees of significant amenity value, ensuring the borough's green spaces are preserved.

Read the full meeting details here.

Other Matters

The Licensing Sub-Committee meeting scheduled for Thursday, 30 April 2026, has been cancelled.